The “Serene Stripes” Tunisian Baby Blanket: A Modern, Textured Pattern

Inspired by the beautiful and simple construction shown in the video, this pattern combines the soothing texture of the Tunisian Simple Stitch (TSS) with modern color blocking to create a warm, yet lightweight baby blanket. It’s a fantastic project for beginners looking to try Tunisian crochet, as it focuses on basic stitches and rhythmic color changes.

The key to this design is the TSS Boundary Block, where a row of Tunisian Purl Stitch (TPS) is strategically placed to create a pronounced, cord-like separator between the large blocks of color, giving the finished piece a sharp, structured look.

🌟 Materials & Sizing

ItemDetails
YarnColor A (Main): 600g (approx. 1400 yards) Worsted Weight (Category 4) in a solid, light color (e.g., Cream or Soft Gray).
YarnColor B (Contrast): 200g (approx. 450 yards) Worsted Weight (Category 4) in a complementary or bright color (e.g., Navy, Blush Pink, or Mint).
Hook6.0 mm (US J/10) Tunisian Crochet Hook with a flexible cable (at least 36 inches long to accommodate the width).
NotionsScissors, Yarn Needle, 1-2 Stitch Markers.

Finished Size & Gauge

  • Approximate Finished Size: 30 inches wide x 36 inches long.
  • Gauge (approx.): 15 stitches and 15 rows of TSS = 4 inches, measured after blocking. (Gauge is not critical for a blanket, but aim for a fabric that is slightly loose and not stiff.)

📘 Terminology & Special Stitches

This pattern uses standard US and Tunisian crochet abbreviations.

AbbreviationMeaning
ChChain
Sl StSlip Stitch
FOFasten Off
FPForward Pass (gathering loops onto the hook)
RPReturn Pass (working loops off the hook)
TSSTunisian Simple Stitch
TPSTunisian Purl Stitch
LTSLast Tunisian Stitch (see instruction below)

1. Tunisian Simple Stitch (TSS)

  • Used for the main fabric.
  • Insert hook horizontally under the vertical bar of the next stitch, YO, pull up a loop.

2. Tunisian Purl Stitch (TPS)

  • Used for the unique horizontal divider.
  • Bring the yarn to the front of the work, insert hook under the vertical bar of the next stitch, bring the yarn back behind the hook, YO, pull up a loop.

3. Last Tunisian Stitch (LTS)

  • Used at the end of every Forward Pass for a clean edge.
  • Insert hook under both the front and back loops of the last vertical stitch of the previous row, YO, pull up a loop.

Standard Return Pass (RP)

(Used for every row unless otherwise noted)

  • Ch 1 (locks the row).
  • *YO, pull through 2 loops on hook*. Repeat from * until only 1 loop remains on the hook.

🧱 The Pattern: TSS Boundary Block

This pattern is worked in sections of alternating colors. The stitch count will be the same for all sections.

Setup: Foundation Row (Color A)

  1. Using Color A, Ch 115 (or any number for your desired width, aim for an even width in inches).
  2. Forward Pass (FP): Insert hook into the back bump of the 2nd Ch from the hook, YO, pull up a loop. Repeat across all 114 chains. (115 loops on your hook).
  3. Return Pass (RP): Work a Standard RP.

Section 1: Main Body (Color A)

  • Work Rows 1-30 in TSS (approx. 8 inches in height).

Row 1 (FP):

  • TSS in every vertical bar across. Work LTS in the last stitch. (115 loops on hook). Row 1 (RP):
  • Work a Standard RP.

Rows 2-30: Repeat Row 1 (FP and RP).

At the end of Row 30, complete the RP, but DO NOT slip stitch or cut yarn A. Leave the loop live and drop the yarn.

Section 2: The Boundary Strip (Color B)

This strip is worked with the contrasting color and uses the Tunisian Purl Stitch to create a dense, highly textured horizontal line that visually separates the color blocks.

  1. Attach Color B (join to the live loop left by Color A).
  2. Row 31 (FP – TPS Boundary):
    • TPS in every vertical bar across. Work LTS in the last stitch. (115 loops on hook).
  3. Row 31 (RP):
    • Work a Standard RP.
  4. Row 32 (FP – TSS):
    • TSS in every vertical bar across. Work LTS in the last stitch. (115 loops on hook).
  5. Row 32 (RP):
    • Work a Standard RP.
  6. Row 33 (FP – TPS Boundary):
    • TPS in every vertical bar across. Work LTS in the last stitch. (115 loops on hook).
  7. Row 33 (RP):
    • Work a Standard RP.

At the end of Row 33, complete the RP, and DO NOT cut yarn B. Leave the loop live and drop the yarn.

Section 3: Color Block Re-entry (Color A)

  1. Pick up Color A (it should be waiting).
  2. Row 34 (FP):
    • TSS in every vertical bar across. Work LTS in the last stitch. (115 loops on hook).
  3. Row 34 (RP):
    • Work a Standard RP.

Rows 35-63: Repeat the TSS pattern from Row 1, working 30 rows in Color A.

At the end of Row 63, complete the RP, drop yarn A, and pick up yarn B again.

Pattern Repeat

Continue alternating the sections until the blanket reaches 36 inches (or your desired length).

Section TypeRowsColorApprox. Height
Color Block30 Rows of TSSColor A8 inches
Boundary Strip3 Rows (TPS, TSS, TPS)Color B1 inch
Color Block30 Rows of TSSColor A8 inches
Boundary Strip3 Rows (TPS, TSS, TPS)Color B1 inch
Color Block30 Rows of TSSColor A8 inches
Boundary Strip3 Rows (TPS, TSS, TPS)Color B1 inch
Final Block30 Rows of TSSColor A8 inches

(This structure results in 4 large blocks of Color A separated by 3 Boundary Strips of Color B, totaling approximately 36 inches.)

✂️ Finishing and Edging

Once you have completed your final Color Block section:

  1. Final Row (Bind Off): This row secures all the loops and matches the density of the side edges.
    • Forward Pass (FP – Sl St Bind Off): Work a TSS into the first vertical bar, then Sl St through the loop on your hook. *TSS into the next vertical bar, Sl St through the loop on your hook*. Repeat from * across the row, working a Sl St into the last stitch of the row.
  2. Fasten Off: Cut the yarn and pull the tail through the last loop.

Perimeter Edging (Optional)

To create a clean, uniform border, work a round of Single Crochet (SC) around the entire perimeter of the blanket, working 1 SC into each row-end on the sides, 1 SC into each stitch along the top/bottom, and 3 SC into each corner. Join with a Sl St and Fasten Off.

Final Care

  • Weave in all yarn tails securely.
  • Wet or steam block the blanket to relax the Tunisian stitches and ensure the edges are straight and the fabric has a beautiful drape.

Video tutorial:

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